Why I don't think Trump will ever really be prosecuted.

[cab67]

It's not merely a matter of "rich people always get off." They too often do, but not always.

Nor is it a matter of not being able to assemble an impartial jury - though that's going to be a major effort in and of itself.

Nor is it even because his lawyers can get this dragged out until long after he goes toes-up on us. (And if they did, they could still go after his estate, which would cut his children off at the knees since they're not capable of getting actual jobs. Trump, or his lawyers at any rate, know this.)

It's because I don't think he's competent to stand trial.

Seriously - have you listened to his recent public statements? The cognitive decline is accelerating. This, on top of the mental illness he's had since at least early adulthood, is likely to keep him out of a courtroom.

From a purely objective viewpoint, he can't participate in his own defense.


My thoughts, anyway.

[soothsayer]

1. He's crazy like a fox.

[cab67]

3. Like a crazy fox.

[Siwsan]

2. I have no doubt that he is in an accelerating cognitive decline

I've seen it, too often, in family members to not recognize what's going on with him.

However, I think it would be a battle to ever get him to accept it. He will just keep going on confused, rambling blithers, and likely never be challenged by his family. And, yes, his lawyers will likely financially milk this situation for anything and everything they can get.

[lagomorph777]

6. Exactly - he would never use that defense.

[PortTack]

4. I've posted the same several times, but then one of our more legally educated posters said that

Mental incompetence Is a very high bar that the courts usually won’t grant. It would require multi psychological tests which I’m sure he would refuse

Having said that, physically if he is completely gone, then that would be different.

[StarfishSaver]

9. Yes

To be legally mentally incompetent is more than just being mentally ill.

[cab67]

11. I didn't say it was.

Severe dementia, on the other hand, is something else.

[StarfishSaver]

13. I wasn't disagreeing with you.

[TheRealNorth]

5. But if you are breaking the law....

And you are too mentally ill to stand trial, isn't that an argument for being institutionalized. The former guy in a straightjacket would almost be as satisfying as an orange jumpsuit.

[Funtatlaguy]

7. Our country just doesn't have the appetite to lock up ANY former President.

Will NEVER happen.

[SoCalDavidS]

8. This Is 100% Fact! nt

[Hoyt]

10. Think that is pretty much it. While I could easily make an exception for trump, not sure going after

a previous admin is a good precedent to set. I don't think any jury would convict him for crimes that are somewhat political.

Again, if anyone deserves it, trump damn sure does.

[Patterson]

12. Republicans will lock up a Democrat if they get a chance.

[Progressive Jones]

14. Trump is half stupid, and half balls. Outrageous statements

are just part of his shtick.

Don't make him out to be some kind of evil genius.

[Baked Potato]

15. I would accept a $1 Trillion dollar fine, to be distributed to the People.

[WarGamer]

16. He won't be.

But not for the reason you give.

Types like Trump ALWAYS set up multiple layers of plausible deniability.

Falsified Loan docs for Trump Tower? "Talk to CEO or COO about it."

Taxes? "The accountant did it."

Cohen? "He took it upon himself."

1/6? " I told them to peacefully march"

Combine this with potential change of venue requests and jury selection...

Not a chance. For political reasons it's necessary to illuminate his crimes... but don't hold your breath for a conviction.